FRIDAY FOCUS
Monomoy Regional High School's Weekly Newsletter
Table of contents:
- Important Information
- MRHS News & Weekly Review
- School Calendar
- Community Events
- Counselors' Corner
- Athletics
- Shark Shoutouts!
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"Looking Back to Look Forward": A Blog Post from Superintendent Carpenter
Posted on 9/11/2018 4:15:00 PM
As we embark on drafting a Strategic Plan to guide Monomoy Regional Schools’ improvement over the upcoming years, it may be important to acknowledge that today’s kindergarteners will be getting their Monomoy diplomas in the year 2031. Given the rapid pace of technology, for what sort of future do we need to prepare the Class of 2031? What do we need to impart on this generation of students so they can realize lifelong success, within this brave new world? A lot can change in our world in the time it takes a child to enter elementary school and walk across the stage twelve years later with their high school diploma.
New Staff at Monomoy Regional High School!
Watch the video below to learn *5 Things* about our new staff members!
MRHS Late Bus Information
The Middle/High School Late Buses began running on Tuesday September 11, 2018. The buses will run Monday through Thursday.
Please note that the drop-off stops for the Late Buses are centralized stops with drops-off at various locations in Chatham and Harwich; these locations differ from the regular drop-off sites.
Click here for a printable version!
Late Buses – Middle and High School
ROUTE 2
3:40 pm Depart High School
3:45 pm Star Market, Sisson Rd, Harwich
3:50 pm Saquatucket Harbor, Harwich
3:55 pm Stop & Shop, East Harwich
4:00 pm Job Lot, Chatham
4:04 pm Chatham Community Center
4:10 pm Arrive Middle School
ROUTE 3
4:15 pm Depart Middle School
4:40 pm Chatham Community Center
4:25 pm Job Lot, Chatham
4:30 pm South Chatham Post Office
4:35 pm Saquatucket Harbor, Harwich
4:37 pm Route 28 at School House Ln
4:42 pm Star Market, Sisson Rd, Harwich
4:47 pm Brooks Library
4:50 pm High School
4:55 pm Mobil Station, Route 124, Harwich
5:01 pm Long Pond at Oak St, Harwich
5:11 pm Fontaine Medical Center
5:16pm Stop & Shop, East Harwich
5:20pm North Chatham Post Office
5:24 pm Chatham Community Center (drop only)
5:28 pm Job Lot, Chatham
5:33 pm South Chatham Post Office
5:39 pm Saquatucket Harbor, Harwich
5:43 pm Star Market, Sisson Rd, Harwich
(Last Update: 8/30/18)
Student Drop-Off & Pick-Up Safety
- Stay in LEFT lane when driving into the front Oak St. entrance of the school. The right lane is for emergency vehicles, buses, and students & staff passing through to park in the side/rear lots of the building.
- Drop-off/pick-up CURBSIDE in front of the school from the RIGHT LANE ONLY. No drop-offs/pick-ups are permitted from vehicles in the left lane.
- DO NOT PARK in the CURBSIDE DROP-OFF LANE.
- If parents/guardians are entering the front of the building, park briefly in the small lot directly in front of the school OR proceed in the right-hand lane when entering the Oak St. driveway to the rear of the building, and park in the rear or Whitehouse field lots.
HELPFUL OPTIONS:
Option 1:
- We have noticed that the highest traffic time in the morning is between 8:40-8:45 am.
- Arriving slightly earlier at 8:30-8:35 will assist in alleviating heavy traffic volume and will spread-out morning student drop-offs.
Option 2:
- In the afternoon, park at Whitehouse Field and have your student exit the side building doors and meet you there. There are plenty of parking spots in that lot.
Option 3:
- Arrive 10 minutes after the conclusion of the school day when traffic and buses have cleared.
Thank you for working with our school to ensure our students, staff, parents/guardians, guests and visitors have a safe experience during our pickup and drop off hours.
Senior Portraits for YEARBOOK!
The Visual & Performing Arts Department is going to...
NEW YORK CITY in December 2018!
Information for those who signed up is available on our website: http://mrhsarts.weebly.com/news
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Principal Burkhead received the 'MSAA Bertram Holland High School Principal of the Year Award' this summer!
GSA Club Presents to MRHS Teachers
We'd like to thank Sarah, Lindsey and Kaitlyn (pictured with Principal Burkhead) for being the first students to EVER present to our teachers during their Professional Learning Day on August 30th. The topic was "Including LGBTQ in our Daily Lives, Lessons & Community". We learned so much and appreciate GSA advisor Ms. Corrigan for organizing the presentation. This is a great example of MRHS's investment in ALL students and including student voice in our school.
Abby Kelley Does It Again!
Abby Kelley does it again! To celebrate International Dot Day this weekend, she brought in the book "The Dot" and a poster board for students to have fun and "Leave their mark." Thank you Abby!
The Dot is a beautiful story about a girl named Vashti who is encouraged by her teacher to take a risk. Vashti does not believe she can draw. She is filled with self-doubt until her teacher gently persuades her to, “just make a mark and see where it takes you.” This inspirational story shows how one reluctant learner gains self-esteem with just one dot. Once Vashti sees her artwork signed and framed, she is inspired to experiment more with dots. The simple support of her teacher gives Vashti the confidence to take risks and to grow. Vashti then passes on her teacher’s words of wisdom to another student who does not believe he can draw a straight line. She hands him a paper and pencil and asks him to draw. She then insists he sign his artwork. The author reminds us of the powerful influence of teachers. We all share the responsibility to challenge a child’s preconceived notions and to encourage children to dream.
9/11 Remembrance at MRHS
"At MRHS we #911Neverforget - thank u @monomoyhistory for your passionate words & to @MRHSMusicDrama & our amazing select choir singing “America the Beautiful” as we pay our respects to the memory of #911Day #September11th #911Anniversary #monomoysharks #BetterUBetterUs" 5:56 AM - 11 Sep 2018 -@MonomoyRHS
Introducing....'Oak Street Academy'!
Summer Reading Success - Year 3!
On Thursday, September 13th the MRHS community came together for our third annual Monomoy Summer reading. Thanks to the efforts of staff and community members, over 40 groups met throughout the school to talk about books and reading over snacks and drinks. In an endeavor to support the district transfer goal of developing the habit of reading for enjoyment, MRHS altered summer reading requirements to more closely mirror what adult book groups across the United States look like in practice. Students were able to select titles that appealed to them, books were provided by the school, and discussions were led by both school staff and community members who had the same interests in the texts.
Many thanks to the dedicated staff of MRHS who all took a part in demonstrating the value of reading, the community members who took the time to meet with high schoolers in the middle of the day, Mrs. Grogan’s class for ensuring everyone had lovely snacks ready to go, and especially to Mrs. Wheaton. Without her guidance, organization, and dedication, none of this would have been possible.
Alumnus Garrett Sherman featured in Cape Cod Chronicle:
Ad Lucem Quote of the Week
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^^ To access the FULL calendar please click the link above! ^^
The events listed below are Upcoming MRHS Events!
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TOMORROW: Saturday, September 15
Senior Portrait Session
Monday, September 17
MRHS Open House & Curriculum Night
TIME: 6:30-8:30pm
WHERE: MRHS Auditorium/Classrooms
Join us on Monday, September 17th at 6:30pm for our MRHS Open House/Curriculum Night! We look forward to seeing you!
Tuesday, September 18
MRHS Picture Day
WHERE: MRHS Auditorium
Make sure you are ready for Picture Day on Tuesday, September 18th!
Friday, September 21
MRHS Club Fair
WHERE: MRHS Gym
On Friday, September 21st we will be holding a Club Fair in the MRHS gym. Students will be dismissed to lunch and the fair will be 12:15-1:00pm!
Make sure to visit each table to find out about the following clubs:
- Spirit
- Key Club
- Yearbook
- New Student Mentors
- Sandscript
- Newspaper
- Gay Straight Alliance
- Young Women's Club
- STEMinist
- Handbells
- Art Club
- Interact
- Film/media
- Student Council
- Animal Welfare
- Class of 2020
Friday, September 21
Dive-In Movie Night
WHERE: MRHS Courtyard
Hosted by Spirit Commitee. More information to follow!
Thursday, September 27
Blood Drive at MRHS
WHERE: MRHS Cafeteria
The American Red Cross will be holindg a Blood Drive in the MRHS Cafeteria on Thursday, September 27th from 2:30-7:30pm! the public is welcome to donate after 3:30 pm.
For more information, please contact Tammy Ridder tammy.ridder@redcross.org or Haley Kelsey hkelsey19@monomoy.edu
Thursday, September 27
Financial Aid Night for Parents
TIME: 6:30pm
WHERE: MRHS Auditorium
MEFA COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
is Thursday, September 27th at 6:30pm in the MRHS Auditorium.
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- What are the different types of financial aid?
- Am I eligible for financial aid?
- What kinds of financial aid are awarded?
- What will be my actual cost?
Parents/guardians of juniors and seniors are cordially invited to join us in a free financial aid seminar presented by the experts at the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA). For more than 30 years, MEFA’s expertise, guidance and services have been helping Massachusetts students and families plan for the future.
Best Wishes-
MRHS Guidance Department
Saturday, September 29
Senior Portrait Session
Friday, October 5
NO SCHOOL: Staff Professional Development Day
Monday, October 8
NO SCHOOL: Columbus Day
Tuesday, October 9 - Friday, October 12
Homecoming Spirit Week!
- Tues October 9: Spirit Week Events
- Weds October 10: Spirit Week Events
- Thurs October 11: Spirit Week Events
- Fri October 12: Football Game - 6:00pm vs W. Bridgewater @ Home
- Sat October 13: Homecoming Dance - 7:00pm - MRHS Gym
Thursday, October 11
CC5 Credit for Life Fair
TIME: 8:15-11:30am
WHERE: MRHS Gym
On Thursday, October 11 from 8:15-11:30am we will once again be hosting the Credit for Life Fair here at the MRHS Gym. The fair is an interactive simulation that requires students to select a career option and practice managing their personal budgets based upon the projected monthly income of their job choice. Students will visit booths staffed by Cape Cod Five employees and other members of the community as they make financial decisions about what they want, what they need and what they can afford. The Credit for Life Fair was designed to help students gain an understanding of the financial decisions they will have to make when they are on their own, without parents or guardians paying the bills and covering costs of food, clothing, shelter, and entertainment.
Here is a video our kids did of the Fair:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4NUur8pAVwLOVhLWGQzS3QwR1E/view?ts=59b822ae
PS: If you would like to volunteer at one of the booths please let Mr. Alexander know by emailing him at: dalexander@monomoy.edu
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Saturday, September 22
9th Annual Big Fix in Harwich
TIME: 8:00am
WHERE: email bwaystack@monomoy.edu for more information
Be a Hands-On Volunteer at the 9th Annual Big Fix in Harwich on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from approximately 8am-1pm. Hosted by the Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod: providing housing solutions to all on Cape Cod & the Islands.
Hands-On Volunteers are people who do the hands-on work at homes on the day of the Big Fix. Volunteers serve from approximately 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. We can use folks of all skill levels!
Please note our Big Fix Youth Policy: Due to safety considerations and the use of power tools at many of the homes we work on, volunteers must be 13 or older. Youth or school groups must have one adult for every four students.
MRHS Students AND STAFF! Contact Ms. Waystack to sign on for the BIG FIX bwaystack@monomoy.edu or stop by Room 263!
Saturday, September 29
Volunteer for COASTSWEEP 2018
TIME: 9:00am
WHERE: Saquatucket Harbor parking lot, 715 Route 28, Harwich Port
Each year, the Town of Harwich participates in this international event to clean our beaches and raise awareness about litter. We hope you can join us! See the flier for more details & please RSVP to: events@harwichconservationtrust.org
For more information on COASTSWEEP Beach Cleanups:
Email: coastsweep@state.ma.us
Phone: (617) 626-1200
Thursday, October 11
FREE WEBINAR: Teen Depression—Addressing Stress
TIME: 7:00pm
WHERE: Online Webinar
Families for Depression Awareness is presenting a free Teen Depression webinar on Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm. Presenter Amy Saltzman, M.D. will discuss how caring adults can encourage teens to manage stress. The program is designed for parents, caregivers, school educators and personnel, youth workers, and anyone interested in teen mental health. Register to join us for a live webinar discussion
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Student Schedule Update:
All students have a complete schedule at this point and the ADD/DROP period is officially over. Any further schedule changes will typically require a parent-student-teacher-counselor meeting.
Senior Update
Counselors have visited the Senior English classrooms for the Fall Focus Future Planning Seminar. The application process was covered including the use of the Common Application and Naviance, our future planning platform. Students should be checking the site daily to stay aware of the many great colleges and universities who visit MRHS this fall. The group classroom guidance session will be followed up with individual student planning meetings which will begin on 9/17/18.
Senior Meetings with Counselors Start Next Week!
The schedules will be posted in the ELA teachers rooms. Please be sure to check for your appointment time! Meetings will be 10-15 minutes each.
PARENTS & GUARDIANS: MEFA Financial Aid Night is September 27th!
TIME: 6:30pm
WHERE: MRHS Auditorium
MEFA COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
is Thursday, September 27th at 6:30pm in the MRHS Auditorium.
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- What are the different types of financial aid?
- Am I eligible for financial aid?
- What kinds of financial aid are awarded?
- What will be my actual cost?
Parents/guardians of juniors and seniors are cordially invited to join us in a free financial aid seminar presented by the experts at the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA). For more than 30 years, MEFA’s expertise, guidance and services have been helping Massachusetts students and families plan for the future.
Best Wishes-
MRHS Guidance Department
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Summary of the Week
Written by: Caroline Howard
Hello Sharks! Fall sports are in full swing and ready for your support! Last week, we had season opener games, starting with Boys golf against Nantucket. A hard fought round, but the Whalers took the win against Monomoy for the first time in six years (Monomoy 49, Nantucket 91). Boys and Girls Cross Country opened their season against Martha’s Vineyard, but took a tough loss to the Vineyarders. Boys and Girls soccer both faced Nantucket for their season openers, girls away and boys home. Girls soccer took the win in a 2-1 game, and boys soccer lost 5-0 to the Whalers. Boys golf then faced Saint John Paul in a very rainy match, which ultimately got cut short. In the end, SJP took the match with a score of 69, to Monomoy’s 45. Girls soccer won against Falmouth Academy 1-0 on Friday, while Girls field hockey lost to DY for their season opener. See you in October dolphins! Monomoy Football had a very exciting win over Cape Tech for their opener on Friday. The final score Sharks 30, Crusaders 12. Girls Cheerleading showing their support the whole game, as well as the Student fan section which was filled to the brim and looked like winter had came early! That’s right, a total whiteout!
On Sunday, Monomoy Athletics participated in the Harwich Chamber of Commerce parade! Athletes from every fall sport represented their school and showed their shark pride! A big shark shoutout to all of the parent volunteers including: Simon Evans, John Malone, Julie Santoni, Robin Kelley, and Nicole Moniz. Thank you for all of your help and support!
To start off the week, the Sharks took a bite out of their competitors! Boys golf beat Rising Tide 52-17. Field Hockey had a victory over Sturgis East 5-0 despite the heavy rain conditions. Strong play by Alison Barrett, putting two goals on the board, as well as an assist. Girls soccer continued their undefeated string by beating DY 6-0. Junior Kelsey Olson with an impressive hat trick for the sharks!
On Tuesday, Boys soccer faced Rising Tide, and surfed in with a win, 2-1. Nice job boys, the Sharks really swam through that tide! Our Boys golf team also had a match on Tuesday at the foggy Eastward Ho Country Club battling Sturgis West. Despite the boys best efforts, Sturgis West took the win. The overall scoring was Sturgis West 114, Monomoy 53. Great effort by Monomoy’s Matt Smeltzer and Christian Lapinski! Way to go guys!
As Wednesday rolled around, the Monomoy sharks and the DY dolphins swam to the finish line as Boys and Girls Cross Country competed at home. Ultimately the dolphins grasped the win, leaving the Sharks hungry for next time! Quick! Somebody put the ‘No Swimming’ sign up!
When Thursday hit, both Girls and Boys soccer kicked off against Cape Tech. The Girls team successfully worked as a unit grabbing the win, putting another one in the books! Boys soccer also beat Cape Tech, the scoreboard reading 2-1 as the referee blew his last whistle. Boys golf tee-ed off in their last match of the week against Sturgis East at Cranberry Valley Golf Course. Although the Sharks gave it their all, the Sturgis East Storm took the win. The overall score, Sturgis East 94, Monomoy 64.
Tonight, we have big games against Monomoy rivals- the Nauset Warriors. Girls Field Hockey battle the warriors first on our home turf at 4:15. Come and support your sharks! The Monomoy Football team also face Nauset tonight, away at 6 on the dot!
I will be back with more scores and reports for you on all of our Fall Sports next week! For now, I’m Caroline Howard and I am signing off! Catch you on the fin-side!
New Monomoy Field Hockey Coach, Jen Estes, featured in Cape Cod Chronicle:
NEXT WEEK'S Monomoy RHS Athletics Schedule
WEEK OF: September 17th - 23rd
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION
MON, 9/17:
JV Football vs. Nauset @ 4:00 pm
Varsity Field Hockey @ Sturgis West @ 4:15 pm
TUES, 9/18:
Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Martha’s Vineyard @ 4:00 pm
JV Boys Soccer vs. Martha’s Vineyard @ 4:00 pm
Varsity Girls Soccer @ Martha’s Vineyard @ 4:15 pm
JV Girls Soccer @ Martha’s Vineyard @ 4:15 pm
Varsity Field Hockey vs. Sandwich @ 6:00 pm
JV Field Hockey vs. Sandwich @ 4:30 pm
Cross Country @ SJP (Sandwich Hollows) @ 4:00 pm
Varsity Boys Golf @ Cape Tech @ 3:30 pm @ Ocean Edge
JV Boys Golf vs. Nauset @ 3:30 pm @ Seaside Links
WEDS, 9/19:
THURS, 9/20:
Varsity Boys Soccer @ Sturgis West @ 4:30 pm
JV Boys Soccer @ Sturgis West @ 4:30 pm
Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Sturgis West @ 4:00 pm
JV Girls Soccer vs. Sturgis West @ 4:00 pm
Varsity Boys Golf vs. CCA @ 4:00 pm @ Cranberry Valley
FRI, 9/21:
Varsity Football @ Blue Hills @ 4:00 pm
Varsity Field Hockey @ Martha’s Vineyard @ 3:00 pm
JV Field Hockey @ Martha’s Vineyard @ 4:15 pm
Cheer @ Blue Hills @ 4:00 pm
SAT, 9/22:
JV Boys Soccer Play Day @ Simpkins @ 10:00, 12:00, 2:00
JV Girls Soccer Play Day @ Simpkins @ 10:00, 12:00, 2:00* * *
- Huge thanks to a very helpful Lisa Forte-Doyle who on her own came to help me with the "Better U Better Us" project on our first day back... equal kudos to Katie Kelly, Nicole Camp & Denise Creedon who answered the plea for help later that day! And much gratitude to the "Good Morning Girls" who hung some of the signs around the school for me on Wednesday... You all make carrying the load that much lighter! -Mrs. Janet Ferro
- Shark Shout Out to Jessica Currie who volunteered, even before knowing what I needed help with! Jessica helped enormously by sorting and stapling paperwork in the office. -Mrs. Janet Ferro
- Shark shout-out to the high school technology team (Jim Birchfield and Dan Cogswell) and assistant principal, Mike Martin for organizing the 8th grade orientation that allowed some students to pick up their laptops before school started. It makes a world of difference when teachers can get started with computers on day one. We'll miss you Mike!! Thank you! -Ms. Liz Hoff
- Shout-out to the custodial team. The school looks beautiful, and I can't thank Cliff Steinruck enough for installing a new whiteboard in my classroom over the summer. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed! Thanks again! -Ms. Liz Hoff
- Kerri Robinson who stepped into a new role and hit the ground running on Day 1 (literally and figuratively) - her positivity, enthusiasm and energy are inspiring. Her understandiong, empathy and knowledge of learning have made her an instant success with me and the students! -Mr. George Sowpel
- Mike Martin whose commitment to 'finishing the job well' exemplifies his character and professionalism - modeling that for all of us. -Mr. George Sowpel
- Everyone in this building - especially Janie and Bill - who have been so supportive and welcoming to me and each other as we start this year - a core value is "challenge" and our staff thrives on this - and keeps smiling - couldn't ask for a better group of people to spend my days with! -Mr. George Sowpel
- To my students in our program who have come together quickly and are working hard to own their learning - and who are helping develop the framework of a new version of alternative learning! -Mr. George Sowpel
- Shout-out to Nicole Gregoire. Saw her in action at her job in the Harwich community. She was a fantastic shift leader and role model for the person she was training, AND she problem-solved on the spot when there was a hiccup with our order. Superb customer service!! -Ms. Liz Hoff
- New Student Orientation and Parent Information Night Ambassadors: Shark shout out to these amazing students who gave of their time and talents to help our incoming students and parents learn about all things Monomoy. Many of these ambassadors participated in not only a three-hour orientation but also an evening event dedicated to helping parents. They answered questions, gave a tour, instructed in locker opening and represented the all the dedication of our students. Thank you again! Olivia Appleton, Libby Anderson, Emma Blankenship, Nick Blute, Charlotte Blute, Alexis Delano, Katie Gabri, Nathan Gibson, Phoebe Gill, Kyla Gilley, Emily Fratus, Ciara Farris, Courtney Kelly, Christian Lapinski, Sabrina Morad, Isabella McMahon, Aliza Pillsbury, Asa St Aubin, Shaw Schuyler, Audrey Smith, Joey Vachon, Angelica Valesquez, Charlie Watson, Ayah Wilson -Ms. Alison Burton
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Contact Us!
Email: mrhs@monomoy.edu
Website: https://www.monomoy.edu/Page/15
Location: 75 Oak Street, Harwich, MA, USA
Phone: 508-430-7200
Follow MRHS on Twitter!
Website: https://twitter.com/MonomoyRHS
Twitter: @MonomoyRHS